episode 87 | plans

Hello dear friend, welcome back to the podcast. This episode is inspired by Proverbs 19:21, which says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” This verse is a beautiful reminder that while we may plan and prepare, it is ultimately God’s will that shapes our lives. 

Together, let’s meditate on what it means to trust in God's plans over our own and seek His purpose in every decision we make.

Transcript

Hello dear friend, welcome back to the podcast. Today’s episode is inspired by Proverbs 19:21, which says, *“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”* This verse is a beautiful reminder that while we may plan and prepare, it is ultimately God’s will that shapes our lives.

Have you ever felt frustrated when things didn’t go the way you had planned? I think we’ve all been there at some point. Whether it’s our career, relationships, or personal goals, we often set out with a clear vision, only to face unexpected twists and turns. This episode is dedicated to reflecting on God’s perfect plan and how surrendering to His guidance can bring us peace, even when things don’t make sense in the moment.

Together, let’s meditate on what it means to trust in God's plans over our own and seek His purpose in every decision we make.

Let’s begin by finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes. Take a deep breath in… hold it for a moment… and slowly exhale, releasing any tension from your body. One more time, deep inhale in, hold, and let it all go. Once more take a deep loving breath in, hold and let it all go. Do this a couple of times more at your own pace.

Now, imagine yourself standing at the base of a great mountain. The sky above is vast, and the air is fresh with a gentle breeze. You can feel the solid ground beneath your feet, providing stability, and ahead of you lies a winding path that leads up the mountain. This path represents your journey—your plans, your dreams, and the road ahead.

Let’s begin by finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes. Take a deep breath in… hold it for a moment… and slowly exhale, letting all the tension leave your body.

Now, imagine yourself standing at the base of a great mountain. The sky above is vast, filled with soft clouds that move gently with the wind. You can feel the steady ground beneath your feet, and as you look ahead, you see a winding path leading up the mountain. This path represents your journey—your plans, your hopes, and your dreams. 

As you begin to walk, feel the strength in your legs and the rhythm of your steps. The path is lined with trees, their branches stretching out as if to welcome you, and you hear the calming sound of birds and a distant stream. With each step, you reflect on the plans you’ve made, the ones you hold close, and the ones you’ve had to let go.

You reach a plateau, a resting point on the climb. Here, the view stretches out before you, showing you the terrain of your life—its valleys and peaks, the unexpected turns, and the places you’ve grown the most. You feel the presence of God here, a quiet whisper reminding you that He’s been with you on every step of this journey, guiding you even when the path seemed unclear.

As you stand on this plateau, you feel a deep sense of peace wash over you. You may not know what’s ahead, but you trust that God’s plan for you is unfolding, even now. The climb, though challenging at times, is purposeful. You feel a breeze against your face, gentle but certain, symbolizing God’s constant presence, guiding you upward toward His purpose for your life.

Take a deep breath in… and as you exhale, release any fear or doubt about the future. Trust that the mountain before you is not an obstacle but a path to something greater. With every step you take, know that God is shaping your journey, making each part of it meaningful.

Repeat silently or out loud:

- I trust the path before me.

- God is with me in every step I take.

- I am guided by His purpose, not my own.

- My journey is full of meaning, even in the unknown.

- I release my plans and embrace God’s perfect will.

Allow these affirmations to settle deep within you. When you're ready, take another deep breath and slowly bring your attention the present moment.

Now, let us hear God's wisdom on making plans for our lives, in pursuit of glorifying Him

1. Proverbs 19:21 – *"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."*

2. Jeremiah 29:11 – *"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."*

3. Proverbs 16:9 – *"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."*

4. Psalm 33:11 – *"But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."*

5. Romans 8:28 – *"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."*

6. Isaiah 55:8-9 – *"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."*

7. Ephesians 1:11 – *"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."*

8. Psalm 138:8 – *"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever."*

9. Proverbs 3:5-6 – *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."*

10. Philippians 1:6 – *"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."*

11. Job 42:2 – *"I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted."*

12. 1 Corinthians 2:9 – *"However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him."*

13. Isaiah 46:10 – *"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’"*

14. Psalm 40:5 – *"Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us."*

15. Matthew 6:33 – *"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."*

16. James 4:13-15 – *"Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow."*

17. Psalm 32:8 – *"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."*

18. Proverbs 16:3 – *"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."*

19. Isaiah 14:24 – *"The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.’"*

20. Luke 1:37 – *"For no word from God will ever fail."*

21. Matthew 7:7-8 – *"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."*

22. Isaiah 25:1 – *"Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago."*

23. Exodus 15:13 – *"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed."*

24. Psalm 119:105 – *"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."*

25. Isaiah 30:21 – *"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’"*

26. Romans 12:2 – *"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is."*

27. 1 Peter 5:6-7 – *"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."*

28. Psalm 90:12 – *"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."*

29. Psalm 23:1-3 – *"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."*

30. Proverbs 16:1 – *"To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue."*

31. Ecclesiastes 3:1 – *"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."*

32. Psalm 119:133 – *"Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me."*

33. Micah 6:8 – *"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."*

34. Ephesians 2:10 – *"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."*

35. Psalm 33:20-22 – *"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."*

36. John 15:16 – *"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit."*

37. Hebrews 12:1 – *"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."*

38. Deuteronomy 31:8 – *"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."*

39. Matthew 11:28-29 – *"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."*

40. Psalm 37:23-24 – *"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him."

 41. Genesis 50:20 – *"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done."*

42. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – *"For we live by faith, not by sight."*

43. Philippians 2:13 – *"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."*

44. Isaiah 49:16 – *"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."*

45. 2 Timothy 1:9 – *"He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."*

46. Psalm 37:5 – *"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this."*

47. 1 Corinthians 3:7 – *"So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."*

48. Matthew 6:10 – *"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."*

49. Isaiah 9:6 – *"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders."*

50. Psalm 145:18-19 – *"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."*

Let’s end our time together with a prayer. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that Your plans for us are always for our good. Help us to surrender our plans and desires to You, trusting in Your perfect timing and purpose. Guide us in each step, so we may walk in faith, knowing that You are with us. Grant us peace as we navigate the unknown, and give us strength to follow wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thank you for spending this time with me today, reflecting on God’s plans for our lives. Remember, even when things don’t go as we’ve planned, God’s purpose is still at work. Be encouraged and rest in the peace of knowing that He is always guiding you. I look forward to joining you again in the next episode. Until then, may you continue to trust in His beautiful plans for your life. Take care and God bless. Have a God night’s sleep!